6.2.10: Knowledge, History & Travel – Vicariously
“A book can take you anywhere…”
Growing up, I often heard this statement in school, at the library and read it in cards and books given as gifts. It wasn’t until much later that I realized that the ‘journey’ one embarks upon via prose-on-page depends entirely upon the book.
Like many of my fellow consumers once I began earning money and paying for books, I sought out independent reviews in order to reduce the number of ‘why-did-I-pay-$15-for-THIS?’ moments. Local publications– like those publishing this column – provide an invaluable service to folks with a passion for books and a limited budget.
Historical non-fiction tops the list, as far as books which interest me most. Recently, I had the privilege of reading War in the Pacific, a piece far superior to those previously perused on WWII Pacific battles. Author Richard Overy really went the extra mile to help readers ‘travel’ back to the scenes described, by including declassified reports, rarely seen pictures, letters and clear maps of individual skirmishes.
My second favorite topic encompasses books on the English language–more correctly described as ‘writers writing about writing’. Of the titles in the row of such books on my desk, the latest is Whata (What Do) Ewe (You) Mean Bye (By) That? by Sondra Smith, a handy little hardback listing common homonyms in English, and how to avoid confusing them.
After one has peered into history–and experienced a bit of learning – a truly vicarious journey emerges: travel books. Lonely Planet went out of their way to create an excellent guide book in Discover Ireland. Despite being squeezed onto small pages, the photographs are phenomenal, invoking many a sigh. The research, anecdotes, advice and unique experiences described almost unconsciously inspire one to formulate travel plans – or at least to marinate some skirt steak in Guinness.
May the books you experience be worth your time and money.
–Meredith Greene
Meredith Greene has been a reviewer for SBR/SFBR since April of 2009; a wife of thirteen years, mother of four and self-published novelist. She, nevertheless, finds time for poetry, blogs, home projects, and gardening.
Come on over and read what Meredith has to say about home, gardening, and other general musings in her column Greene Ink.
Visit Meredith’s website www.BelatorBooks.com.
